Parliament receives peace petition
THE Constitution Reform and Education Coalition (CRECO) has petitioned Parliament to ensure that the unity and peace that Zambia has enjoyed over the years is maintained.
Presenting the petition dubbed "One Zambia, One Nation" yesterday at Parliament Building, CRECO chairperson Hyde Haguta said Zambia was among the most peaceful countries in the world, therefore the need to maintain its status could never be over emphasised.
Mr Haguta observed that there was too much tribalism, hatred and unhealthy political propaganda perpetrated mostly by politicians which he said was likely to cause division and chaos in the country if not addressed.
He said there was need to guard the peace that the country had been enjoying jealously.
He said Parliament as the legislature, had a huge responsibility to protect Zambia and its people from harmful vices aimed at bringing division in the country.
"We are sick and tired of politics of tribalism, hatred, finger pointing and propaganda, they are not good for our country. It’s high time we stand up and protect the peace and unity that we have enjoyed,” Mr Haguta said.
And CRECO spokesperson Andrew Ntewewe said it was ridiculous for people to want to cause confusion over some clauses in the Constitution when they shunned the National Dialogue Forum (NDF) which gave people an opportunity to make their submissions.
Receiving the petition, Bwana Mkubwa Member of Parliament Jonas Chanda said unity and peace in the country were very cardinal.
Dr Chanda assured that the petition would be handed over to the Speaker of the National assembly to ensure that the people’s demands are addressed.
“Parliament is the people’s representative and we have to listen to the people. It is your democratic right to come here and present a petition, because that is what democracy is. There is only one Zambia, One Nation and everything that is aimed at bringing confusion, we have to reject it,” Dr Chanda said.
He also said it was sad that there were some people wanting to paint Zambia black to the world for their own selfish gains.